(Bloomberg) — Apple Inc. will allow third-party app developers to link from their software to external websites to let customers sign up for services, resolving a long-running dispute.
The announcement comes as part of a settlement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, which is now closing its investigation into the App Store. Apple said the change will be implemented globally early next year.
Developers like Netflix Inc. and Spotify Technology SA have long complained that Apple doesn’t allow them to link to their website to allow users to sign up for their service. The move effectively means that many developers will no longer have to pay Apple its App Store commission of up to 30%.
The change applies to magazine, newspaper, book, audio, music and video apps, according to Apple’s definition of “reader” software. Apple’s move follows the preliminary settlement of a class action lawsuit with U.S. App Store developers that will result in payouts of $100 million.
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